Interactive property communication system

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein, among other things, are apparatus and methods for interactive property communication. In various embodiments, an interactive property communication system includes two or more property communication nodes (PCNs) each adapted for coupling to an electrical service. PCNs include a radio transceiver for communications with a broker service adapted for controlling communications with one or more PCNs.

This application is a continuation under 35 U.S.C. §111(a) of and claimsthe benefit of priority to International Patent Application Serial No.PCT/US2012/039962, filed on May 30, 2012, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/458,757,entitled “INTERACTIVE PROPERTY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM,” and filed on Apr.27, 2012, which in turn claims the priority benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/491,288, filed May 30, 2011, the entirecontents of each being incorporated herein by reference.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to U.S. Pat. No. 6,894,609, issued on May17, 2005 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,967,562, issued on Nov. 22, 2005, both ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document relates generally to information communication systems andmore particularly to interactive communication systems for userproperty.

BACKGROUND

It is thought that the average person in the United States (2010population greater than 308 million according to the United StatesCensus Bureau) normally spends almost one-half of their time in their“household” (greater than 113,000,000 in 2010—United States CensusBureau) owned, rented or living with others (a convenient term used torepresent where a person calls their “home”). The elderly and disabledspend more to all of their time in their home. If the weather isinclement, a person is sick, without a job, has little income, or withother similar or adverse happenings or conditions, the time spent intheir home would be substantially more.

When a person does leave their home it is common for them to carry aportable cell phone (“PCP”) , portable smart phone (“PSP”) or some othersuch similar portable communication device—commonly cell phones (“CP”)(of 308,000,000 citizens, 234,000,000 owned CP's—“comScore”) that allowsfor a user (“user”) to, among other functions, make and receive voicecalls, e-mails, text or other short messages, videos, pictures, music,voice, data, graphics, and in general, send and receive otherinformation, along with carrying in the CP personal alarm clocks,calendars, reminders, contact name, business, etc. lists, having andusing an internet web browser and entering a web address, selectingspeed connections through a personalized app, using voice commands, etc.to connect to a destination web site, etc. to search, view, etc. andobtain requested or other useful, in general, information in variousforms.

In most circumstances when the user leaves their home they have their CPpowered up or turned on in some mode that they can be aware of some toall inbound e-mails, telephone calls, messages, data, etc., broadlycalled inbound information. But many times the user must turn the CPoff, or at least turn the CP to some form of diminished alert status toincoming information—thus rendering the CP in many cases partially tocompletely inoperative to inbound information. Examples of when the usermust turn off or to a diminished alerting status would be in a meeting,in church, in a movie theater, to name but a few likely situations. Orthe user may simply elect to not have the CP on, not be in useableproximity, may even have left it somewhere or have had the batterydrained below operating levels, thus rendering the CP temporarily orpermanently unusable for any communications—in or out.

When a person returns home they generally set their CP somewhere in asingle location, thus making the CP usage or range of operabilityextremely small, or perhaps not operational at all. In some cases in theUS and in the World, some people return home and do not have either a CPor home land-line telephone provider service. This circumstance may beone of choice, or because one or both of the services to the CP and/orland-line telephone may be inoperative because of numerous reasons. Ineither of these cases, the user(s) would be totally withouttelephone-type communication—in or out bound.

In the past it was common for the US household and its inhabitants (eachhousehold has 2.6 inhabitants—US Census Bureau 2010 totaling more than294,000,000 population in households) to have a telephone land-line. In1999 there were 186,000,000 home lines. But since 2000 the number ofland-lines has fallen in number 4 to 6% every year since. And even more,today 25% of homes have abandoned their landlines (National HealthInterview Survey). 22.9% of adults live in homes that have CP but noland-line telephone. The number of wireless (CP) only homes grew 4.3%between 2008 and 2009. Younger users are more likely to live in CP onlyhomes: 48.6% of people aged 25 - 29, 33% of people aged 18-24 and 30-34.More interesting are those adults living in poverty live in 36.3 CP onlyhomes, and amazingly 1.7% of US adults have no phone - CP or land-line.A review of the telephone company's revenue from home land-lines shows asimilar story; continue decreasing numbers of home land-lines andrevenue, along with increasing revenue from CP service. In the past,households treated the telephone company as a utility—a must, but todaywhat with higher energy, food, etc. costs, loss or reduction in work andearnings or stagnant income, etc., consumers are saying land-lines arean expendable luxury that can only call from home not anywhere the useris. Even abandoned and foreclosed homes are contributing to abandoned orcancelled land-line service, not to be often placed back into servicewith a new owner. Even new homes now come with ‘optional’ telephonewiring.

People at home are very often not in close contact with either type oftelephone—CP or landline because they are in a different or distantroom, indisposed, disabled, aged or slow of movement, sleeping or areoutside in their yard where they cannot hear either phone ‘ring.’Additionally people may not be able to hear the phone ‘ring’ because thevolume is turned down or off by conscious switching or by a depletedbattery, the phone and/or network is inoperable, or the CP is onvibrate. Or people at home can perhaps hear either phone ‘ring’ butcannot answer because they are indisposed, have their arms full orcannot answer for numerous other reasons.

One attempt to provide communications with persons at home was takenwith prior art home security systems that provide an emergencycommunication controlled by an alarm panel at the home of theindividual. However, such communications are restricted to situationswhere the person is at the location of the alarm panel in the home.

Consequently, cell phones are intended to provide communications to aperson, but those communications have the foregoing issues. Accordingly,there is a need in the art for providing an improved interactivecommunication system for dwellings and other places occupied by people.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings include the following figures:

FIGS. 1-5, and 12 show some different embodiments of an interactiveproperty communication system according to various embodiments of thepresent subject matter.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show different embodiments of some property communicationnodes according to various embodiments of the present subject matter.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show some variations of different embodiments of brokerservice block diagrams according to various embodiments of the presentsubject matter.

FIG. 10 shows one example of different interfaces of a broker serviceaccording to various embodiments of the present subject matter.

FIG. 11 shows one example of deployment of property communication nodes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description of the present subject matter refersto subject matter in the accompanying drawings which show, by way ofillustration, specific aspects and embodiments in which the presentsubject matter may be practiced. These embodiments are described insufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice thepresent subject matter. References to “an”, “one”, or “various”embodiments in this disclosure are not necessarily to the sameembodiment, and such references contemplate more than one embodiment.The following detailed description is demonstrative and not to be takenin a limiting sense. The scope of the present subject matter is definedby the appended claims, along with the full scope of legal equivalentsto which such claims are entitled.

The present invention provides a system for bidirectional communicationthat can programmably control communications to and from places wherepeople, live, work, monitor, recreate, safeguard or protect, or justgenerally occupy. For the purposes of this application, each such placeshall be called a “property.” The use of the term property shall not belimited to a structure, but can include areas outside of a structure,such as a back yard or playground. Thus, the property can be indoors oroutdoors, or combinations thereof. Any variety of dwelling places,workplaces, storage places, and play areas are included as some examplesof the scope of the concept of property for purposes of thisapplication. The system includes a content control service that acts asa broker for the type of communications sent to the property and theinformation coming from the property to at least one agency (a “brokerservice”). In various applications, the broker service is programmablefor indicating a plurality of parameters for communications, includingpreferences of communications.

The present system allows for a communications to a home, office,warehouse, factory, or any number of properties. It allows the residentor subscriber the ability to control communications as they move fromone location at the property to another, as long as each such locationin the property has at least one Property Communications Node (PCN) thatallows for two-way communications between the person at the property andthe broker service. Depending on the application a plurality of PCNs maybe employed. It is understood that in some applications a single PCN maysuffice.

Communications System

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an overview of one embodiment of asystem of the present subject matter. The system 100 includes a brokerservice 106 that can be configured by one or more programming devices104 and which is in communication with one or more propertycommunication nodes (PCNs) 102. In various embodiments, the PCNs 102 aredevices that communicate with sensors at the property and provideannunciation functions for the subscriber(s) at the property. Furtheraspects of the communications system are set forth in this document andthe examples given herein are intended to demonstrate the presentsubject matter and not in an exhaustive or limited sense.

Broker Service

The broker service may have a variety of communications options and maybe deployed across a number of and variety of different apparatus. It isunderstood that the broker service 106 can communicate with one or aplurality of PCNs. It is understood also that the broker service 106 cancommunicate to a property or a plurality of different properties. Suchcommunications can be to a single subscriber or to a plurality ofsubscribers. For example, the broker service can communicate with asingle PCN at the property of a single subscriber. It can communicate toseveral property owned or controlled or rented or merely occupied by thesame subscriber. These same communications can take place with anynumber of PCNs at each property, as long as there is at least one PCN ateach property.

For example, the broker service can communicate with a single PCN at theproperty of a plurality of subscribers. It can communicate to severalproperty owned or controlled or rented or merely occupied by a pluralityof subscribers. These same communications can take place with any numberof PCNs at each property, as long as there is at least one PCN at eachproperty.

In various embodiments, the broker service is connected to the PCNs atthe property. Such connection can be wired, wireless, or combinationsthereof. One preferred embodiment is a wireless connection to the PCNs102 and a wireless or wired connection to the programming devices 104.The connection can be a network connection adapted for a variety of usesand users or it can be a dedicated connection. Any variety of wirelessprotocols can be employed including, but not limited to, cellular, smsmessaging, WiFi, Bluetooth™, and proprietary wireless protocols. Wiredconnections include various types of typical Internet connections, localarea network connections, intranet connections, public switchedtelephone network (PTSN) connections, and proprietary networkconnections.

In one preferred embodiment, the broker service 106 is connected to theInternet. It is also connected to the telephone network, includingwireless cellular networks. It has a software interface that affordssubscribers secure access via a dedicated programming interface or via ageneral communication interface with controlled access. In variousembodiments, the broker service 106 includes a database for eachsubscriber. The database includes some private information about thesubscriber and application-specific information. For example, assumingthe particular application relates to medical monitoring, the entry forthe subscriber can include medical information about the subscriber, andinformation about the timing and nature of the medical monitoring thatmust be done for that subscriber. To demonstrate one example, thesubscriber database can include the following (however, the subscriberdatabase can include different and other information and is not limitedto this example):

-   -   a. Subscriber Name: John Smith    -   b. Subscriber Medical Monitoring Notification: “Did you take        your insulin?”    -   c. Frequency of Notification: 3 times a day    -   d. Notification times: 9:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m.    -   e. Notification method: Transmit verbal message to PCN    -   f. Confirmation Codes: Code 1 “Press 1 or say one for Yes,” Code        2 “Press 2 or say two for No,” Code 3 “Press 3 or say Need Help”        for Need Help    -   g. Confirmation Method: Voice Prompt and Voice Recognition at        Property    -   h. Contingency actions by broker service based on results from        f.:        -   i. If Need Help, then            -   1. Contact 911 Emergency Systems with Subscriber Name                and Subscriber PCN Address and Subscriber Medical                Information            -   2. Contact Daughter, Mary Smith                -   a. Call (613) 333-3099                -   b. Email: msmith338@aol.com            -   ii. If No, then the broker service will contact                subscriber's Daughter, Mary Smith at (613) 333-3099            -   iii. Authorized Access Contact: Daughter, Mary Smith                at (613) 333-3099 (this allows the trusted daughter the                ability to access all of the subscriber's information).

Therefore, the broker service 106 provides a confidential, trustedresource for monitoring and controlling communications for eachsubscriber. It provides a barrier to unwanted communications fromservices and individuals who would like to use the communications totheir advantage and allows the subscriber to control such features. Itprovides the broker service 106 an ability to block unwantedcommunications (as defined by the subscribership) and to allow preferredcommunications to and from the subscriber with third parties (otherindividuals, services, entities) via the PCN or PCNs 102.

In various embodiments, the broker service 106 has a database forsubscriber information 803, and a content controller 802 for filteringcontent through the broker service 106, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Theembodiment of FIG. 8 includes a common communication interface 801 whichcontrols communications to and from subscribers, programming devices,service providers and content sources. The broker service 106 providescontrolled access by the subscribers using secure programming interface804. Programming devices 104 can be used to communicate to the interface801 and provide the necessary authentication codes or information toaccess the subscriber database 803 via secure programming interface 804.This allows configurable and programmable ways for different trustedentities to program the subscriber database 803 or portions of it. Forexample, subscribers via programming devices 104 can program thesubscriber database 803 (and access information therefrom) using asecurity code, password, or other controlled access. Other subscriberinformation can be accessed and programmed from a portion of thesubscriber database by trusted services, for example in the applicationinvolving home security a trusted monitoring service can accesssubscriber information to update its alert database, or to query thesubscriber for customized access information. For example, the trustedservice provider (e.g., monitoring service) can provide queries to thesubscriber who is their customer to request updates for monitoring andalerts. The subscriber can receive such queries at their respectivePCN(s) 102 and respond. The information can be stored in the subscriberdatabase under an entry for that monitoring service. For example, if afire is detected, besides contacting emergency support services, thesystem is programmed to contact the subscriber at her cell phone number(613) 337-2013 and send a text message to a predetermined internetaddress with the fire detection information. Of course, the brokerservice could contact any neighbor, friend, or other PCN of suchpersons.

The broker service can use any PCN on the network to distributeinformation. In some applications, only the broker service knows wherethe subscriber is at and the broker service can take appropriate actionsbased on the predetermined programming by the subscriber. The brokersystem can provide these contingency options for the subscriber nomatter where the subscriber is at. One such application can be intravel. For example a hotel fitted with PCNs could be used by anysubscriber to “follow” his or her person along their travels and anyemergency or other communications can relatively seamlessly be conductedwhile the subscriber is at the hotel or other establishment fitted witha PCN. The broker service can know where the person is at physically andaddress any situation as programmed by the subscriber in any event.

The embodiment of FIG. 9 includes at least two communication interfaces.A first communications interface 801 is used generally for incominginformation from a variety of sources and for outgoing information to avariety of destinations, based on content controller 802. In thisembodiment, the secure programming interface 804 is directly accessiblefor subscribers and other users of programming devices 104. The secureprogramming interface 804 allows access to the subscriber database 803.

FIG. 10 demonstrates that for either interface 801 or 804, any varietyof wired and wireless protocols can be employed including, but notlimited to, cellular, LAN, WiFi, and other protocols. FIG. 10demonstrates just some of the protocols available. It is understood thata variety of other protocols can be employed, including, but not limitedto, SMS messaging, Bluetooth™, and other proprietary wireless protocols.Other wired connections include, but are not limited to various types oftypical Internet connections, Ethernet connections, intranetconnections, public switched telephone network (PTSN) connections, andproprietary network connections.

In various embodiments, the subscriber database includes portions thatare accessible by the subscriber, portions that are accessible byservice providers approved by that subscriber, portions that areaccessible for other service providers not yet approved, and portionsthat are used by the broker service to attend to the various needs ofthe subscribers. Other accesses are contemplated and the present systemis not limited to those mentioned, as they are used to demonstrate thesystem. Further examples of such embodiments are provided in thisdisclosure after discussion of the other aspects of the system 100.

In various embodiments, the broker service 106 is remote from theproperty or properties being serviced. This provides the broker service106 an ability to be located at one or more locations independent of theproperty or properties. The broker service 106 can “follow” a subscriberas they move from location to location, whether in a single property oracross multiple properties. This is a great advantage over prior artsystems using a single control feature, such as alarm systems which usea single alarm panel for a single location. Therefore, the presentsystem allows for a subscriber to use and benefit from his or herpreferences and programming across a vast array of locations, whetherintra-property or inter-property.

Property Communications Nodes (PCNs)

The PCNs 102 that can be used to provide bidirectional communications tosubscribers at one or more properties can vary. In various embodiments,each PCN 102 is adapted to communicate with the broker service 106.Consequently, one advantage of the present system is the ability forPCNs to individually and independently conduct bidirectionalcommunications with the broker service 106. In various embodiments, eachPCN 102 includes a connection to the power source and is located at theproperty, as demonstrated in FIG. 2. The PCNs 102 can be used in amultitude of ways that provide programmable, controlled, bidirectionalcommunications with the person or persons at the property for amultitude of new applications. For example, in one embodiment, the PCNsinclude the electrical switches shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,894,609 (the609 Patent) and door lock mechanisms in U.S. Pat. No. 6,967,562 (the'562 Patent), which have been incorporated herein by reference. It isunderstood that their use in the description is intended to demonstratethe present subject matter, but not in a limited or exclusive orexhaustive sense, and that other PCNs may be used without departing fromthe scope of the present subject matter. Some of those additional PCNdesigns are demonstrated by this disclosure as set forth herein.

FIG. 3 demonstrates the system 100 according to various embodiments ofthe present subject matter. The PCNs 102 demonstrated provide a powermodule 251 which includes circuits for connection to power source 161,such as a typical electrical service. Such circuits may include variousfeatures such as a backup power feature that allows the PCN 102 toremain powered for at least a while should the electrical service fail.In some embodiments, a rechargeable battery is maintained at a desiredlevel of charge to function to communicate with the broker service 106should the power system fail, which is common in typical emergencysituations (such as power system failures due to a lightning storm, heatwave, blizzard, tornado, hurricane, or earthquake, for example). In thisway, the PCN 102 can provide crucial communications for the disabled,elderly, injured, or young person at a property during such emergency.

PCN 102 also includes a bidirectional radio 252 for communications tothe broker service 106. The PCN may employ any number of radio optionswithout departing from the scope of the present subject matter. Invarious embodiments, the radio 252 is a cellular device that can beconnected to the broker service 106 via existing cellularinfrastructure. In various embodiments radio 252 is a packet radiodevice that can communicate with a variety of packet interfaces. Invarious embodiments, radio 252 is WiFi compatible for internetconnections to the broker service 106. In various embodiments, radio 252is a software radio that is configurable for a plurality of wirelessfrequencies and/or protocols. In various embodiments, the radio 252 isprogrammed by an installer upon placement of the PCN 102 at theproperty. In various embodiments, the subscriber at the property canchoose a communication protocol. In various embodiments, the softwareradio can automatically detect wireless radio communication optionsavailable to it and provide a number of options for the subscriber. Invarious embodiments the software radio can automatically detect wirelessradio communication options and select at least an initial service forcommunications. The subscriber can select another wireless option usingprogramming device 104. In other embodiments, the broker service 106already contains the subscriber's connection preferences andautomatically determines the most preferential connection and programsthat into the radio 252. Thus, a number of communication options arepossible without departing from the present teachings.

PCN 102 in FIG. 3 also includes at least one sensor 253. The sensor canbe any number of possible sensors. In one preferred mode, the sensor isa microphone which can be connected to a microprocessor,microcontroller, digital signal processor, or other digital electronicsto accept the sound signal received and process that. For example, avoice recognition feature can be programmed that recognizes thesubscriber's voice, the subscriber's children's voices, and/or thevoices of select visitors (such as extended family members, the familybabysitter, and friends to name a few). This allows for communicationsfrom the PCN 102 directly to the rest of the network based on voicerecognition and/or voice prompt recognition. Such a system can bedeployed, for example, at the residence of an elderly person and allowhim or her to automatically call for help by merely stating a known helprequest sequence. The microphone can be programmed for any number ofdifferent tasks including, but not limited to, glass break detection,tone detection (such as a dual tone multi-function or touch tone), orspecial programming (such as detection of an audio alarm from asubscriber's ventilator or other device). The microphone can also beused for typical voice communications, such as speakerphonecommunications. The number of possibilities is virtually unlimited.

In various embodiments, the sensor includes a motion detector. A motiondetector can be useful for monitoring health and wellness of theelderly. It can also be used for basic security features. It is alsopossible to use the motion detector to sense when children arrive fromschool or when the cleaning service enters the property. Therefore, arich and diverse array of one or more sensors can be used withoutdeparting from the scope of the present subject matter.

The PCN 102 of FIG. 3 also includes an annunciator 254. In variousembodiments, the annunciator is a speaker. In various embodiments, theannunciator is a video screen or monitor. Other annunciators arepossible without departing from the scope of the present subject matter.The annunciator 254 provides a means for distributing content in theproperty (of course, based on preferences established by thesubscriber). For example, in the application for medical reminders, theannunciator may be a speaker which is used to play a message to theoccupant to make sure that she takes her medication. In variousembodiments, the annunciator can be a video screen and in a chatapplication, the screen can be used in conjunction with a speaker, amicrophone and a video camera that allows the subscriber to have theability to teleconference in any room having a PCN so equipped. Suchteleconferencing can be conducted with others' PCNs or with any businessor home having teleconference equipment. Internet teleconferencing withSkype™ or other such conferencing services/software can be easilyconducted using the present system. The whole system can be combinedwith other features to provide a new communication mode not possible incurrent technologies. For example, assume that the property is equippedwith multiple PCNs that each include a motion detector, microphone,speaker, video screen and camera. Such a system could afford thesubscriber to move from room to room (or even from inside to outside)and seamlessly conduct a videoconference as the person moves around theproperty. The motion detector could be used to change PCNs as a personmoves from one location at the property to the next one. The microphoneand camera can “follow” the person as she moves from one place in theproperty to another. Of course, some of these functions could beperformed with fewer components. It is understood that the microphonecould be used to detect when the person moves from one room to another,so a motion detector is not absolutely necessary in some applications.Similarly, the video camera can be used to detect motion in a room.These sensors can also be used in conjunction to provide a seamlesshandoff of communications from one PCN 102 to the next. It is alsopossible that certain locations can be specially programmed to controlthe communications from one PCN 102 to the other. For example, a PCN 102in a home can be programmed to block video signals from the propertyunless the communication is to a select desired other location orperson. Such programming can be provided via the programming device 104,via PCN 102 (such as with a control switch, software switch, or someprogrammable feature), via the broker service 106, or all of these. ThePCN 102 could be programmed to mute the sound from a microphone unless acommunication is unmuted by the person at the property to limit soundstransmitted to another PCN 102 or location. Thus, such a system affordsthe subscriber a great deal of programmable options that can be used ina multitude of applications.

FIG. 3 also shows PCN 102 with an identification module 255. The actualidentification can vary. For example, for fixed PCNs at a location, theidentification module 255 can contain at least some of the followingparameters: type of location, subscriber identity, PCN location code,PCN identity, and/or special information about the subscriber orproperty. For example, one variation of the possible information in theidentification module is:

-   -   a. PCN Ser. No. 10223721    -   b. Battery Backup? Yes    -   c. Address 78421    -   d. Subscriber 203389    -   e. Medical Code 37

This example provides information in the PCN 102 that can be coded ornot as desired in any deployment. For example, the information containedin the Address storage is a number “78421” that can be correlated to theproper address of the PCN 102 by the broker service 106. It is alsopossible to directly code the address into the PCN identification moduleas well. This PCN example also includes a subscriber code and medicalcode to afford additional privacy to the subscriber; however, they toocould also be entered into the device directly. Other special featurescould be encoded into the identification module. For example, aworkplace with hazardous materials could have a code identifying thatfact and could even have information about the exact nature of thehazardous materials.

The identification information provides additional programmabilityoptions for the subscriber that can add great value to a particularapplication. For example, in the case of a power outage from a naturaldisaster the PCNs 102 deployed at a property can continue transmittinginformation and identification of where that information is coming fromand the subscriber can continue to obtain warning information from anyemergency service deploying messages to the PCN 102. That naturaldisaster information or warning can be delivered to any PCN 102 on thenetwork. So for example, if the subscriber is not at the locationexperiencing the disaster, the broker service can send such informationto the subscriber (or persons/places they designate) via any mechanismdescribed herein (for example, PCN-to-PCN communications either directlyor using the broker service, email, text messaging, fax, call, cellularphone messaging, to name a few). For example, the PCN 102 can transmit acode when a power outage occurs at a home of a person on a ventilator.That code can be programmably sent to the broker service fordissemination to emergency personnel. The code can also be sent to amonitoring station for dispatch of emergency personnel. The code canalso be sent to a loved one as a first line of response in matters ofless urgency. Consequently, even if the occupant were unable tocommunicate via the microphone or other operation of the PCN, the PCNitself can provide information identifying the person, place or thing ofinterest in any sensing event. For even more communications redundancyin case of outages or temporary loss of communications, the wirelessradio 252 can be programmed to make different emergency transmissions todifferent radio services as available and as needed. This raises theoverall intelligence of the interactive communication network greatlyand provides adaptive alerts to respond to any number of conditions andapplications. In various embodiments, a messaging feature for nationaldisaster or national emergency can be conducted from connections to asingle network messaging from FEME (the Federal Emergency ManagementAgency). For example, FEMA has an IPAWS service (Integrated Public Alertand Warning System) that can be deployed using PCNs 106 and the brokerservice 106. (Or any system mandated by Congress.) Indeed, thesubscriber can even program how he or she would like to receive suchinformation. This is a great advantage over typical deploymentmechanisms such as an audible horn or other radio warning system.

FIG. 4 shows a network similar to that of FIG. 3, but with a display asthe annunciator according to various embodiments of the present subjectmatter. It is understood that the display 254 can be built into the PCN102, wired to the PCN, or wirelessly in communication with one or morePCNs. Any number of video and audio devices, including, but not limitedto, screens, monitors, cell phones, smart phones, laptop computers,desktop computers, televisions, iPads, and/or iPods can be incommunication with the PCN for video and audio applications.

A PCN 102 functions as a user interface that can request content,receive content (live streaming, downloaded feed or high density packet,for example), interact with content, and provide content, in variousembodiments. PCNs 102 communicate directly with a broker service 106 viawireless communication, in an embodiment. The user can control settingsusing verbal commands to a microphone or other sensor at the PCN 102, inan embodiment. In various embodiments, the user receives audibleinformation from the broker service at a speaker of the PCN 102. Verbalcommands can be used both at the PCN and/or at the broker service side.

Programming Devices

The programming devices 104 can provide instructions and parameters forthe broker service 106 to control communications with the PCNs 102. Theprogramming devices 104 can perform the programming over any number ofnetworks, including, wired or wireless networks. The wired networksinclude, but are not limited to, an attached computer, a local areanetwork, an Internet connected network, a public switched telephonenetwork (PTSN), and combinations thereof. The wireless networks include,but are not limited to, cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth™, and combinationsthereof. Combinations of wired and wireless networks can be used toperform programming. The typical application affords a subscriber theability to program preferences in an account with the broker service106. The programming devices 104 can also be used with certain PCNswhere appropriate to control communications by the PCNs.

Some programming devices 104 include, but are not limited to cellphones, smart phones, laptop computers, desktop computers, televisions,iPads, iPods, TiVo® systems, Wii® systems, Playstation systems, iPods®,and/or iPhones® to name only some. The programming devices 104 canaccess a programming interface of the broker service 106 from a varietyof approaches, including but not limited to: a personal contact that canassist the subscriber to programming their preferences; software runningon the programming device 104, such as an applet; a browser-based accesspoint to the subscriber's account on the broker service 106; and/or anaccess from a PCN 102 programmed to provide contact with the brokerservice 104 for the subscriber. Other types of user communication can beused by the programming devices 104 to control settings and receivenotices from the system, such as e-mail, text messages, Twitter®,Facebook®, LinkedIn®, and other social networking websites, withoutdeparting from the scope of the present subject matter. In variousembodiments, the programming device 104 may also be used as a display254 or in conjunction with that display. Other contact options arepossible without departing from the scope of the present subject matter.

Programming devices 104 can be used by subscribers. They can also beused by service providers who are providing services to the subscriber.For example, in an example where security monitoring is provided, asecurity company may supply codes to the subscriber to use in case of anemergency via the system to alert the security company to a need. Forinstance, suppose the security company receives an alert from a propertythat a break in has occurred. The security company can use itsprogramming device 104 as an apparatus to monitor other locations of theproperty that were pre-approved by the subscriber in such emergencies.For example, the security service may have access to a camera fixed onthe driveway to see if a vehicle is parked there or to tell when policehave arrived. Thus, a number of uses by a trusted service provider ofthe programming device 104 can be envisioned by the present system andcan be controlled by the subscriber.

FIG. 5 shows a diversity of communications options that can occurbetween the broker service 106 and different types of PCNs 102. The PCNscan vary in aspects, such as sensors, communications, annunciators, andconnection to external power systems. Other variations are possible, andthis example is provided to show that the devices have a richinterconnectivity that can be exploited for different applications.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing different functional blocks of onetype of PCN according to one embodiment of the present subject matter.This particular PCN 102 includes a controller 680, a radio device 652, abackup power supply 660, a power module 670, an annunciator 654, and asensor 653. In various applications, the controller 680 is amicroprocessor, digital signal processor, microcontroller, dedicatedASIC, combinational logic, or other type of digital device. The radiocommunications can be integrated into a processor in some embodiments,such as that shown in FIG. 7.

In various embodiments, the PCN 102 includes a battery backup includinga flag or light to signal low power when the battery was getting low. Invarious embodiments, the backup provides a flag to the broker servicethat can be programmed to: (1) send a message to emergency aid if thepower goes low (e.g., elderly person who has no power, or person on aventilator that has lost power); or (2) send a message to a friend orfamily member programmed into the device or the broker service if thepower goes low (e.g., elderly person who has no power, or person on aventilator that has lost power); (3) provide selective access toinquiries by a list of authorized inquirers (e.g., daughter logs intosystem because she has not heard from her mother who is elderly anddaughter has access to system).

FIG. 11 shows an example of a dwelling with a plurality of PCNs 102deployed in various locations. The depicted embodiment illustrates aresidence, but the present subject matter is not limited to residences.Additional examples of properties include, but are not limited to, abusiness, office, factory, cabin, cottage or garage. Other types ofproperties can be serviced without departing from the scope of thepresent subject matter. The location of PCNs is unlimited. PCNs can beintegrated into a variety of home and office hardware, such as switches,outlets, appliances and other devices. For example, a PCN 102 can beintegrated into a refrigerator or other kitchen appliance. PCNs can beintegrated into a security camera or other such device. PCNs can bedeployed outside of a structure and over grounds. PCNs 102 can be set upin warehouses and in parking lots. The applications are unlimited. Thedetectors housed with the PCNs 102 track the user and can transfercommunications using a handshaking protocol to provide an interactivecommunication system that follows the user throughout their property,according to various embodiments. In a system using a plurality of PCNs102, the PCNs 102 can programmably contact other PCNs 102, programmablybroadcast from a single PCN, multiple PCNs, or all PCNs. The PCNs canperform select addressed transmissions to each other at one property orbetween properties.

FIG. 12 shows a diversity of communication connections for the brokerservice, the programming devices 104, and the PCNs 102. The presentsystem allows a subscriber to use a variety of communication networks tostay in touch at a property or properties. This allows for seamlesscommunications from different places a person resides, from their hometo their office and even their loading dock. The communication optionsare unlimited.

The broker service is shown as a single block in the attached drawingsbut it is expected that the broker service can take place over a numberof computers or servers or services. For example, the broker service canuse one set of addresses/communications for high priority communicationssuch as emergency or other such services. The broker service can usemore traditional and slower access options for more routinecommunications or low priority communications. The broker service can bedeployed in a cloud computing environment or other distributedprocessing environment. The broker service can also interface with otherservice providers to provide services for its subscriber base.

The broker service 106 can include personalized or programmable brokersthat provide content, such as Netflix or Google® in variousapplications. Other examples of a broker service 106 include interactiveservices provided by private security companies, health care facilities,medical professional networks, advertising and sales, and connections tofamily and friends. Such services are rich and include, but are notlimited to, visual, audio, and data services. PCNs 102 can communicatewith multiple services via the broker service to perform multiplefunctions, in various embodiments.

It is understood that the PCNs 102 can aid or assist other functions,such as home security systems. In one application a security systempanel can also act as a PCN or interface to a PCN. Thus, the presentsystem can supplement current more primitive systems.

In the communications stated in this application it is understood thatthe communications can include a repeater, gateway, switch, router,bridge or network interface, and that the examples given herein areintended to demonstrate only some of the optional configurations.

The interactive property communication system provides wirelessconnectivity both intra-property and inter-property, in variousembodiments. In various embodiments, intra-property communication amongPCNs 102 can be facilitated by modulating a signal on the electricalpower network throughout the home or building as described in the '609patent that has previously been incorporated by reference.

In various embodiments, the interactive property communication systemconnects one or more PCNs directly to the Internet, or to the Internetvia the broker service. The geographical range of communication can beextended by linking a wall mounted PCN with a second device (repeater orintermediate node) that is coupled to a long distance communicationnetwork, such as by using a short range network such as BLUETOOTH®,HomeRF™, wireless LAN (WLAN), or other personal wireless networkingtechnology to connect to the second device, as described in the '609patent that has previously been incorporated by reference. As furtherstated in the '609 patent, the range may be extended by coupling aBLUETOOTH® transceiver with a cellular telephone network, a narrow bandpersonal communication systems (“PCS”) network, a CELLEMETRY® network, anarrow band trunk radio network or other type of wired or wirelesscommunication network. The interactive property communication system canbe connected to the United States Government's Integrated Public Alertand Warning System (IPAWS), in one application. In one embodiment, theinteractive property communication system is connected to a propertysecurity system broker to provide security for the property.

In various applications, algorithms at the broker service include voicerecognition algorithms to process information from the property toprovide programmable, automated alerts to response agencies for aparticular detected emergency. Thus, the voice detection features can beat the property or at the broker or both.

In various embodiments, the interactive property communication systemincludes hardware, software and related systems configured formonitoring and reporting of operability, continuous or timely statusalerts, and reporting to alert the user or users and to allow users tomodify usage or have knowledge of loss of functionality. Thus,malfunction or abnormality is verbally reported to the user on the PCN102, via a video monitor 302 on or connected to the PCN 102, transmittedto their account on the broker service, and/or sent to their personalcomputer and cell phone or other personal device, in variousembodiments.

The present system has many uses, including but not limited to some ofwhich are set forth herein to demonstrate the rich programmability andapplications of the present interactive communications system.

Improved Messaging System

The present system affords the users of PCNs to programmably controlcommunications with friends and family in a way not possible withpresent telephone systems. For example, suppose a family wants toestablish communications among family members. Each member can exchangePCN contact information and can then program the broker service withcommunication options and preferences. For example, suppose the motherof the family wants to limit calls outside of 9 a.m.-8 p.m. every day toones where it is an emergency. She can program an option in the brokerservice to filter family calls that are outside of the 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.range to only ones where the caller has indicated an urgency oremergency. The prompts and answers needed to decide what is urgent canbe programmed as well.

The system can also be programmed to recognize the mother's voice andperhaps a special spoken sequence to perform calling. For example, thesystem can be programmed to recognize the mother saying “I need help” or“I need help quickly” and take appropriate action as programmed by thesystem. For example, upon receipt of such a verbal command, the systemcan be programmed to call her daughter, text her, and/or simply open acommunications pathway so that she can speak directly to her daughter ather PCN. This provides an enormous service since the daughter could beat any location fitted with a PCN and be in almost immediate contactwith her mother. For example, assume the daughter is on travel inanother city. She could get a message on a PCN in her hotel room or shecould have immediate voice and/or visual contact with her mother due toher emergency.

The system is good for emergencies, but is also exceptionally good forless urgent communications. For example, a feature that can be easilyimplemented is an “I am free to talk” feature, whereby the person sets astatus using her programming device 104 or a PCN 102 so equipped toreceive the status, that he or she is free to talk. (This could be doneby any number of programming options, including, but not limited to acode entry, checking a box on an interactive device screen, or merely averbal command to the programming device 104 or PCN 102.) The brokerservice now knows that person is free to talk and can be programmed tomake a connection with other friends and family that have alsoprogrammed their systems as such. Such programming could result in avoice or voice-and-video conference almost immediately with the otherfamily member. Indeed, the whole family could be joined by the brokerservice if all of them were available or willing to chat. This featurebrings a whole new dynamic to interpersonal communications. It lessensthe divide in location between people who want to communicate and makespersonal communications a great deal easier than logging into a websiteor using conventional calling and/or teleconferencing abilities.

The broker service can add another dynamic to the communications. It canhave a messaging feature that notes to a select list of persons thatcertain members of the family are online and welcome an additional partyto the contact. This feature can also be deactivated to avoid intrusionsto private communications. Thus, the programmability and messagingfeatures of the present service in combination with the inter-propertyand intra-property communications add a dynamic that cannot beexperienced with traditional services.

The broker service features can also be used for social networking togreatly expand the ability for users to connect. The “free to talk”feature can be used by members of a trusted group of friends and familyon a social networking site, including, but not limited to, socialnetworking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, LinkedIn, to name afew. The broker service 106 can be interfaced with such socialnetworking sites to populate contact information, to globally establishcommunications from the PCNs under the programmable control of thesubscriber, and to establish a whole new genre of intercommunicationsbased on personal status and settings that may be detached from thetraditional browser-based communication approach of such socialnetworking sites. The possibilities are unbounded, but some are providedto demonstrate the richness of the present system. For example, a socialnetwork could be used to establish a list of wanted or trusted friendsthat could arrange a multiperson chat session using the broker service,the social networking site and the PCNs of the present subject matter.For example, the present system could go from an online chat to a PCNdiscussion merely by an instruction sent to the broker service and/orthe social networking site. As such, the present system could have asoftware feature that converts all on the network chat to a verbaldiscussion or verbal teleconference, as desired.

Another feature is that people who have met on the networking site andwish to conduct more personal discussions or teleconferencing canprovide each other with a secret code or link to provide that person anability to conference or teleconference without giving out a phonenumber, an address or other personal information. That provides thepersons who are still new to a potential relationship the ability tomeet at their own locations (a safe ground to meet electronically), andavoid giving sensitive information to the intended other person untilmore of a trusted relationship can be established. Such a system couldbe a single use approach so that any link or code used is useful onlyfor a single communication, giving the parties the ability to moreabruptly terminate contact if desired. Of course, due to the sensitivenature of such potential, a parental approval feature can be employed tolimit or block entirely the ability to perform such communications. Amonitor mode can also be established to allow a third party the abilityto chaperone the discussions, for example. As can be seen from thepresent discussion, any number of telecommunications options arepossible with the present system and those given herein are intended todemonstrate the system and not in a limited or exclusive sense.

The present system can also be used to define what communications occurand where in any given property. For example, a single room could bedesignated as a room for audio and video communications, and suchcommunications could be limited to blocked from any other location atthe property. This approach redefines a “chat room” to be a location atthe property where chatting is permitted, not unlike having anelectronic meeting hall where all associated with the discussion couldfreely discuss and teleconference or televideoconference. Again, suchprogramming options are unlimited and this example is provided todemonstrate new aspects of the new system.

News, Entertainment, Education, and Other Content

In various embodiments, the present system can be programmed todistribute content such as news, entertainment, education, specialprogramming, requested programming, and any other content to thesubscriber. For example, the system can include programming at thebroker service to indicate which news sources and/or which news topicsthe subscriber wishes to receive. The subscriber of such a system couldbe doing a mundane household chore, such as laundry, and receive anotification from the PCN that a news story on the presidential electionis available and ready for listening, viewing, or both of them. Invarious embodiments the PCN is adapted to provide a voice prompt to thesubscriber, such as “Do You Want to Hear a News Story?” or even “Do YouWant News About the Election?” The subscriber can program his or herinterface to play it upon an acceptance response or to automaticallyplay certain messages due to their urgency or importance. The system canalso be programmed to pause or skip a news story upon instruction of thesubscriber. This provides a new way for the subscriber to receive newsand such receipt can be optional or not, as the subscriber wishes toprogram the system. Such programming can be extended to entertainmentand other such communications. For example, education or learning athome can be performed using the present system.

The broker service can be programmed to play emergency information tothe subscriber that is dependent on the geographical location of thesubscriber. Therefore, a person visiting an area frequently experiencingearthquakes may receive instant warning and emergency responseinformation from the local emergency information network. In the U.S.the system may be connected to FEMA and may receive messages from IPAWS.Other emergency communications and services are possible. The subscribercan also elect to receive emergency messages from other locations,including, but not limited to, the locations of loved ones, thelocations of other properties of the subscriber, to name a few. Thescope of information available to the subscriber is not limited and maybe programmable to only those things of interest.

This feature also allows the broker service to interface with other newsand entertainment services to provide the subscriber content based ontheir preferences.

Advertising-to-the-Person-at-a-Property

The present system can also be used to control the content of what thesubscriber hears/sees from his or her PCN for the purpose ofadvertising. This feature allows the subscriber the ability to eliminateunwanted advertising or to even solicit for certain types of wantedadvertising (e.g., “Send offers for sales of new hybrid electriccars.”). Such as system can also be connected to other websites such aseBay (e.g., “Notify for sales concerning antique china.”).

The present system allows the subscriber to control only what salesitems that he or she wants. The subscriber can select one or more of:retailers, product categories, brands, sale or discounted items,vendors, and a host of other potential parameters. The subscriber mayaccess a selection menu or other interface using the PCN 102 or theprogramming device 104 (among other options) in communication with thebroker service 106. Other possibilities are that the subscriber can signup for a service that interfaces with the broker service to provideselections that may be selected and thereby get only desiredsolicitations or offers.

The subscriber can select notification parameters as well. For example,if the desired car is offered for sale they can program the system tonotify them immediately. They can also review the product visually forPCNs so equipped or using their own monitor. They can then order theproduct or service and buy it immediately by selection directly throughthe PCN 102 or programming device 104.

In one embodiment, the subscriber can choose how many notifications thesystem can make and after a predetermined number the system can put themessage of the sale item or service to be stored on the broker service106 or the PCN 102 or sent via messaging or email, or any number ofother communication options, as programmed by the buyer/subscriber.

The subscriber can also select a chat option to discuss a purchase witha vendor/retailer or other seller. The system can be programmed totransfer the buyer's personal and payment information as authorized bythe buyer/subscriber to inform the seller of certain information thatthe seller desires.

The present system allows the subscriber to save time shopping forthings and from a multiplicity of undesired offers by specifying his orher own interest and limiting communications to only the ones desired bythe subscriber. This also makes the subscriber's purchase decision moreefficient. It allows the subscriber/buyer to purchase, select ashipping/pickup option, discuss the purchase, and perhaps close the buyquickly. It also saves the cost and effort of vendors and retailers ingenerating catalogues and other sales literature that will never achievesales.

Again, the possibilities are unlimited and the examples given herein areintended to demonstrate some of the rich programmability and advantagesof the present system.

Advertising to the System

Broker Service 106 of System 100 can be used to establish businessand/or other distribution relationships with a variety of entities,including, but not limited to various sellers, retailers, wholesalers,distributors, merchants, creators, Broker Service 106 itself, andvarious partners and/or suppliers and combinations thereof. For thepurposes of this document, these individuals will be referenced as“Third Party Vendors”. The Third Party Vendors can be vendors orrepresentatives of a variety of goods and services, including, but notlimited to, general and specific: products, services, commodities,brands, articles, single, multiple and/or continuous delivery ofrequested subscription, information or content in various forms andpresentations, such as but not limited to programs, travel, lodging,entertainment, dining, news, sports and education. Such goods andservices shall be referenced as with the intent and design that theperson at the property (abbreviated as “PAP”) will be able to receiverequested and specific notification and view and select on PAP's PCN(s)102, Programming Device(s) 104 and/or any other object of connectivitysupported by the System 100 which Third Party Vendor's goods andservices offerings are of interest and at, but not limited to, whatdesired pricing, terms and conditions if necessary. Further, the PAPselects notification specifications, and/or other parameters on how thePAP wishes to be notified by and/or through Broker Service 106 ThirdParty Vendors when PAP's requested and/or preferred terms andconditions, etc. are met by Broker Service 106 goods and servicesofferings and/or selected Third Party Vendor's goods and servicesofferings.

Broker Service 106 will specify to Third Party Vendors what web siteand/or other forms of presentation and/or connectivity Third PartyVendors will present to Broker Service 106, allowing a PAP and/orsubscriber of Broker Service 106 to utilize one or more PCNs 102,Programming Devices 104 and/or any other object of connectivitysupported by the System 100 to view all of the PAP requested Third PartyVendor partners and their goods and services offerings provided usingBroker Service 106. The PAP can connect to and/or through the BrokerService 106 to the Third Party Vendors' customized interface via BrokerService 106 and/or to the Third Party Vendors' website of goods andservices offerings using existing or modified Third Party Vendors'buyer/consumer website(s) of offerings located at designated individualThird Party Vendors' sites.

The PAP can register on a Broker Service 106 customized master formresiding on the Broker Service 106 that shall have pertinent BrokerService 106 required and PAP requested terms and conditions for allBroker Service 106 authorized and PAP-selected Third Party Vendors. Someof the required information that the PAP would enter on the BrokerService 106 master form may include, but not be limited to one or moreof: name of Third Party Vendors, Third Party Vendors' goods and servicescatalog identity number, goods and services description, model, size,color, pricing, discount and/or range request amounts if necessary,number desired, valid date range of the PAP's interest, the PAP'snotification requirements used by Third Party Vendors performingannouncements of the PAP's successful match(es) on the PAP's PCN 102,Programming Devices 104 and any other object of connectivity supportedby the System 100.

Parameters that can be used to specify an interest notification toPAP(s) include, but are not limited to, immediate, one or more days of aweek, between certain hours Third Party Vendors' announcement(s) arepermitted, daylight savings time observed—yes or no, number ofannouncements per day and for what duration and in what received formatssuch as, but not limited to, text, email, audio and/or visualpresentations on the PAP's PCN 102, Programming Devices 104 and anyother object of connectivity supported by the System 100. A PAP can useBroker Service 106 to control Third Party Vendors via the PAP's PCN 102,programming devices 104 and any other object of connectivity supportedby the System 100 include, but are not limited to, stoppingannouncements, to control their duration as specified by the PAP,whether the notification should expire, to store the message to beretrieved at a later time, and a variety of other messaging controls. Ifthe PAP desires message(s) to be stored, then a PCN 102 may display on adesignated page or screen on a PAP's monitor Annunciator 254 or PCN 102face-plate, programming devices 104 and any other object of connectivitysupported by the System 100 a graphic symbol indicating a message(s) hasbeen automatically stored on the PAP's selected 102(s), ProgrammingDevice(s) 104, the PAP's personal member account page on the BrokerService 106 and/or any other object of connectivity supported by theSystem 100.

In various embodiments, a PAP may log into or sign on to PAP's privateor personal account on Broker Service 106 by using PAP's PCN(s) 102,Programming Device(s) 104 and/or any other object of connectivitysupported by the System 100 and convey or transfer PAP's own contentsuch as, but not limited to, text, graphics, pictures, audio, video,information, instructions, messaging, programs or any combinationsthereof to PAP's personal and private account data base on BrokerService 106 for subsequent selection, transfer and/or retransfer of anyof a PAP's selected and owned content resident or stored on a PAP'saccount data base on Broker Service 106 to a PAP's owned and managedPCN(s) 102, Programming Device(s) 104 and/or any other object ofconnectivity supported by the System 100. In such case, a PAP alreadyhas ownership and manages all other necessary details, but not limitedto, such as selected Identification 255 number destinations, date andtime ranges, frequencies and all other necessary control commands tocontrol and manage a PAP's own transfer, retransfer, usage andconsumption request(s).

Similarly, in various embodiments, a PAP may log into or sign on toPAP's private or personal account on Broker Service 106 by using PAP'sPCN(s) 102, Programming Device(s) 104 and/or any other object ofconnectivity supported by the System 100 to request transfer of a PAP'scontent such as, but not limited to, text, graphics, pictures, audio,video, information, instructions, messaging, programs or anycombinations thereof to another PAP's Interactive Property CommunicationSystem's personal and private account data base on Broker Service 106.Broker Service 106 shall forward initiating a PAP's request to otherreceiving PAPs for their approval. Upon receiving a PAP's approval, thereceiving PAP shall then supply Broker Service 106 with receivingdevice(s) identification number(s) 255, approved dates, times,durations, etc. for intended transfer of content to receiving PAP'sspecific PCN(s) 102, Programming Device(s) 104 and/or any other objectof connectivity supported by the System 100.

In various embodiments, a PAP's PCN(s) 102 may be, but are not requiredto be, housed in a single fixed unit or multiple fixed units mountedand/or attached to, among other things, a wall, bracket, electricaloutlet or electrical switch, or other permanent type attachment.Similarly, in various embodiments, a PAP's PCN 102 may be, but is notrequired to be, housed in a single fixed unit or multiple fixed unitsindividually mounted on a flexible and/or articulating arm and mountedand/or attached to, but not limited to, a wall, bracket, electricaloutlet or electrical switch, or other permanent type attachment allowingthe PAP or designee of PAP to use one or more PCN(s) 102, ProgrammingDevice(s) 104, the PAP's personal member account page accessible to theBroker Service 106 and/or any other object of connectivity supported bythe System 100 to remotely control and have the PCN(s') 102 on-boardmotor and software to move and articulate the PCN(s') 102 arm to swing,rotate, tilt, extend or retract or any combination thereof the PCN(s)102 for improvement of, but not limited to, viewing video and/or monitoron annunciator 254, focusing motion detector on sensor 253, ambientlight sensor on sensor 253, camera on sensor 253, speaker on annunciator254 and video monitor annunciator 254 and display 254.

PAP's PCN(s) 102 sensor 253 devices are able to (but are not limited to)perform: capturing, recording and/or for immediately or laterprocessing, transmission and storage or other manipulation operationsand/or capabilities of use of the, but not limited to, output capturedor recorded by sensor 253 devices such as, but not limited to, types,levels, times, motion, light, darkness, sounds, noises, voice, pictures,images, video, and streaming video. In various embodiments PAP's PCN(s)102 annunciator and/or display 254 may contain, but are not limited to,an audible or audio transducer, sound generator, piezo and/or speakerthat is capable of generating live or stored content to play at PAP's orPAP's designees selected later dates and times sounds, voice, text tospeech, messages, audible capabilities, video output that is capable ofgenerating live, stored or memory to play or re-play presentations of,but not limited to, pictures, graphics and streaming video, programs,content from Third Party Vendors and their partners, operatingfunctions, status and controls of PCN(s) 102 and identification 255which may contain, but not limited to identification of: zone, area,location, ownership identification management control, associated PAPand or other occupants, where permanent or transient personal codinginformation and personal identity characteristics, personal, medical andvaluable personal information and history, emergency contact informationfor designated people, operating, history and system controlidentification or further sub-divided of operating and/or bi-directionalcommunications system(s) identification and location, physical street,city, state, zip code, latitude and longitude, global positioning system(GPS) data gathering and/or generating and receiving location and otherinformation and location identity, permanent and temporary assigned userpin numbers or codes of certain PAP's and other persons approved tooperate one or more PCN(s) 102, Programming Device(s) 104, the PAP'spersonal member account page accessible to the Broker Service 106 and/orany other object of connectivity supported by the System 100 video forimmediate or later processing, transmission and storage or othermanipulation operations and/or capabilities, Annunciator 254 which maycontain, but is not limited to, an audible or audio transducer, soundgenerator, piezo and/or speaker that is capable of generating live,stored or record for play at later dates and times sounds, voice, textto speech, to name but a few audible capabilities and Identification 255which may contain, but is not limited to, zone, area, location,ownership identification, PAP and or other occupants, where permanent ortransient personal coding information and personal identitycharacteristics, personal, medical and valuable personal information andhistory, emergency contact information for designated people, operating,history and system control identification or further divided system(s)identification and location, physical street, city, state, zip code,latitude and longitude, global positioning system—GPS—generating andreceiving location information and location identity, permanent andtemporary assigned user pin numbers or codes of PAPs and other personsapproved to operate one or more PCN(s) 102, Programming Device(s) 102,the PAP's personal member account page on the Broker Service 106 and/orany other object of connectivity supported by the System 100.

The PAP may hear an audio, voice and/or hear and see an audio, voice andvisual announcement from a Third Party Vendor through and under thecontrol of the Broker Service 106. The audio or voice/visualannouncement may arrive over a speaker and/or video-monitor of a PCN 102or, including but not limited to, a Programming Device 104, cellularphone and/or any other object of connectivity supported by the System100.

Such PCN or other device may include a video monitor annunciator 254.However, it is understood that in some embodiments, no video monitorannunciator 254 is necessary. If the PAP is not present at the propertywhen a Third Party Vendor's announcement is played on a PCN's 102annunciator 254 (e.g., a speaker, video or other annunciator) or otherdevice supported by System 100, in various embodiments, the Third PartyVendor's announcement shall repeat as determined by a PAP's announcementschedule programmed on Broker Service 106. For example, if a PAP hasselected that if after Third Party Vendor's first announcement is madeand the PAP does not respond (e.g., because they are not present atdesignated PCN 102(s) or are present at designated PCN 102(s) but wishnot to respond), the Broker Service 106 may be programmed to post on adesignated page accessible by the PAP's designated PCN 102 monitor 254,PCN 102 without a video monitor annunciator 254, Programming Device 104,Broker Service 106, cellular phone and/or any other object ofconnectivity supported by the System 100, a graphic symbol or othersuitable indication informing PAP that a message has been stored on thePCN 102, Programming Device 104, Broker Service 106, cellular phoneand/or any other object of connectivity supported by the System 100.

Further, the PAP while present at the designated PCN(s) 102 may simplyissue a short command or manually press a designated command on thePCN(s) 102 that will immediately force the announcement to terminate andbe routed to the PAP's queue at the broker service 106 and/or the PAP'sPCN(s) 102, Programming Device 104, Broker Service 106, cellular phoneand/or any other object of connectivity supported by the System 100 forfuture retrieval.

In another variation, the PAP upon hearing an announcement mayimmediately speak a different short verbal command into the designatedthe PCN(s) 102 microphone sensor 253 or manually press a designatedcommand on the PAP's PCN 102 to cancel the announcement thus avoidinghaving the announcement go to the PAP's message queue on the brokerservice 106 and/or the PAP's PCN 102, Programming Device 104, BrokerService 106, cellular phone and/or any other object of connectivitysupported by the System 100. Additionally, the PAP will have selected onits notification programming (e.g., a notification form) associated withthe Broker Service 106 instructions on how many times the PAP desiresincoming announcement(s) is to be played without a response by a PAPbefore the announcement ceases to sound on the PAP's PCN 102,Programming Device 104 and/or any other object of connectivity supportedby system 100. In various embodiments, the Broker Service 106 can beprogrammed to direct the announcement to PAP's message queue on theBroker Service 106.

A PAP can program an associated PCN 102 (or plurality thereof) and/or aninterface at Broker Service 106 to control how inbound communicationsare handled. In various embodiments, the PAP can control the storage ofinbound communications. For example, inbound communications can bestored in a message queue on one or more PCNs 102 and/or on BrokerService 106. The PAP can also program the messaging options to providealerts. In some embodiments, an alert can be an audio alert. In someembodiments, an alert can be a graphic symbol on a specific page ordisplayed on a monitor annunciator 254 (if utilized). Such graphicalalerts may be by a symbol, such as a message light illuminated on thePCN 102, and by the PAP at any time going to their private customeraccount at Broker Service 106 to review any and all messages in queuewhether from Third Party Vendors, from Broker Service 106 management andany other PAP-authorized user of the Broker Service 106.

The Broker Service 106 can be programmed by a PAP by receiving one ormore voice and/ or manual commands and converting them into actionsperformed by the Broker Service 106 and/or System 100. In variousembodiments, a PAP can issue a verbal and/or or manual response to anannouncement of an offering by a Third Party Vendor. In someembodiments, a voice command is received by a microphone sensor 253 ofthe PCN. The received voice command can be used to arrange and initiatea voice chat with a representative of a Third Party Vendor. Thecommunication may be to answer questions from the PAP regarding theoffering and may communicate information to make a purchase or declineto purchase the offering. In various embodiments, a request to enterinto a live two-way conversation can be made with a Third Party Vendorsales and/or customer service agent. In such cases if a monitorannunciator 254 is used, additional information can be viewed,including, but not limited to, product cut sheets, photos, actual itemimages, video clips on or related to the PAP's desired goods andservices, conferencing with other Third Party Vendors associatesregarding additional goods and services information such as, but notlimited to, transferring information about which store the PAP maypurchase and/or pick-up Third Party Vendor's goods and services, and todiscuss shipping options. Additionally a camera sensor 253 may beutilized, to allow the PAP to verbally or manually activate a particularPCN (or a plurality of PCNs) 102 camera Sensor 253 and enter into a livefull two-way audio-visual session where the PAP can utilize and sharevisual cues such as, but not limited to, facial, hand and body movementsthat can more fully convey PAP's thoughts and emotions regarding thecontemplated purchase of Third Party Vendor's goods and services.Additionally, in the live two-way full audio-visual session the PAP canmore completely communicate such as, but not limited to, demonstrate,illustrate, show, draw diagrams, show actual samples, pictures, etc. tothe Third Party Vendors representatives thus more fully articulate thePAP's interest to the Third Party Vendors regarding the pending purchaseof the Third Party Vendors goods and services. The PAP can at any timeretract or turn off connectivity features such as monitor annunciator254 and camera sensor 253 by speaking a command or manually selectingthe associated controls on the designated PCN(s) 102, which will turnoff the desired function at the designated PCN(s) 102.

Should the PAP desire to purchase the Third Party Vendor's goods orservices offering, the PAP may speak or manually enter into a PCN's 102microphone Sensor 253 or monitor Sensor 253 and state to the Third PartyVendor the PAP's code(s), if required by a Third Party Vendor andselected by PAP and registered on PAP's private customer account atBroker Service 106. In this circumstance, Third Party Vendors will pullfinancial payment data previously entered by PAP into PAP's privatecustomer account on Broker Service 106 for a specific Third PartyVendor. The PAP additionally can make arrangements for payment while ina chat session with a Third Party Vendor, or use various other forms ofpayment on file in a PAP's private customer account on Broker Service106.

In various embodiments, System 100 may perform bi-directionalinteractive audio, visual, audio-visual, data, signaling and contentcommunication, using Broker Service 106 and various premises baseddevices (PCNs 102) (together referred to as “Communication Content”delivery system). Today many people can look up a person's telephonenumber, view it on caller ID, and/or find it in business' contact lists,etc. Also a person's telephone privacy or quiet time is disrupted bycalls being received that are misdialed at all hours of the day andnight, dialed by telemarketers regardless if a person has registered onthe Federal Do Not Call List, calls from unknown people that arereceived with no caller-ID information, legitimate calls received atother undesirable times, etc., simply because all that a caller needs todo is dial direct to practically any seven or ten digit numbercombination. Further, in many social, professional and business settingspeople find it necessary to give out their traditional telephonenumbers, but do so half-heartedly and with trepidation knowing that thegiven telephone number(s) will be in the hands of many people forever,thus should the giving party not want to communicate with the otherparty again, the giving party must depend only upon the good-will of thereceiving persons never to call or use the received number again.Additionally, some people desiring to “mask” their telephone identitysometimes use other people's or entity's telephone(s), thus shifting theexposure to risk and/or annoyance to other unassuming people andentities. People are highly communicative and find it desirable tofrequently use their telephone, but have additional common concerns: thecaller generally believes it's the right time to call, but seldom knowsfor sure that it is without actually calling and risking bothering thecalled party with untimely conversation or bothering the called partywith only the noise of the telephone ringing, people often call numbersthat are found to be obsolete, cancelled or changed, thus againbothering the called party, to name but a few concerns and annoyances ofusing traditional telephone architecture and common practices.

In various embodiments, Broker Service 106 of System 100 may be used toestablish bi-directional interactive audio, visual, audio-visual, data,signaling and content communication, together referred to as“Communication Content” relationships with a variety of entities suchas, but not limited to: families, close, casual or new friends andselected individuals, professional services, Third Party Vendors andtheir various partners and/or suppliers, information and other contentproviders, emergency announcement services and combinations thereofusing selected PCN 102, Programming Device 104 and/or any other objectof connectivity supported by the System 100, and for the purposes ofthis document, will be referenced as Interactive Property CommunicationSystem (“IP Communication System”).

An initial user of the IP Communication System of Broker Service 106 ofSystem 100 may register their account on Broker System 106 of System100. For the purpose of this document, such users shall each be called aPerson at the Property (“PAP”). After completing initial registration onBroker Service 106, Administrator may, utilizing selected PCN(s) 102,Programming Device(s) 104, and/or any other object of connectivitysupported by the System 100, register a particular PAP and each otheruser (referenced as a “Guest” herein) who will be using a PAP's IPCommunication System by listing in some situations (but not limited toor made mandatory in all situations) the name of each Guest. The Systemwill then assign and include in the listing a general and/or uniqueGuest primary code (“Guest Primary Code”); a secondary Guest code(“Guest Secondary Code”). In various embodiments, a Guest voicerecording is personally made by each Guest and stored on Broker Service106 of System 100 for subsequent Guest voice recognition and validation(“Guest Voice Validation”) applications. In various embodiments thisallows for recognition and/or validation of a Guest via Broker Service106 for subsequent transmission of Guest's Communication Content to IPCommunication System's selected PCN(s) 102, Programming Device(s) 104,and/or any other object or device of connectivity supported by theSystem 100. In various embodiments programmable exceptions can be madeif the Broker Service 106 cannot properly recognize or validate theGuest's voice. Such cases might include, but are not limited to,illness, poor reception, or other changes that make the Guest's contactmore important than a necessary voice recognition and/or validation.

In various embodiments, the listing may include Guest contactinformation, but not limited to, call back telephone numbers and otherIP Communication System Guest Addresses. In various embodiments, theSystem 100 may record a Guest assignment by a PAP to optional groupsand/or classifications such as, but not limited to, family, friend,social or new casual acquaintance, (named) Third Party Vendor, (named)medical clinic, (named) personal doctor, (named) auto insurance company,federal, state or local authorities for weather, catastrophe, emergencyalert or other general alert or important information.

In various embodiments, the Guest name and other announcementinformation that is selected by a PAP may be transmitted by and throughBroker Service 106 to the IP Communication System's selected PCN(s) 102Identification 255 locations, Programming Device(s) 104, and/or anyother object of connectivity supported by the System 100. In variousembodiments, the system will support individual Guest multiple answeringpriority levels with paired multiple Guest Addresses allowing processingof various priority delivery levels of Communication Content: by way ofexample, a (named) Health Clinic calling with life threateningcommunication requiring immediate PAP contact is assigned by the PAP ahigh priority level with a unique Guest Addresses, or a (named) HealthClinic calling with general or no urgent communication is assigned bythe PAP a lower priority level (and may be programmed with one or moredifferent Guest Addresses).

In various embodiments, a PAP may assign a (named) Third Party Vendor toa high priority by assigning one or more high priority Guest Addresses.Some applications include, but are not limited to, assignment of higherpriority addresses to immediately receive a specific and valuableshort-lived offer, such as a last minute seat on an airline at a priceand/or terms previously requested by the PAP. In various embodiments,the PAP may make a selection of IP Communication System transmissiontechnologies and methods, such as, but not limited to, ranging fromsingle communication technology up to redundant, cascading, availabilityand/or backup communication technologies and methods along withselection of associated costs; programming of PAP's IP CommunicationSystem operations and functions, including but not limited to, hourly,days, calendar, holiday ranges; number of repeated announcements withselected time intervals between announcements for specified Guestscalling in and PAP's selection of automatic or manually selected messagestorage for specific Guests' calls carrying Communication Content.

When an announcement limit is reached for a specific Guest calling, theGuest announcements may be, but are not limited to, automatic routing tomemory on selected PAP's PCNs 102, Programming Devices 104, the PAP'spersonal member account page on the Broker Service 106 and/or any otherobject of connectivity supported by the System 100 for a PAP's futureretrieval and further processing, activation of specified receivedcall(s) message stored alerts such as, but not limited to, audio,visual, text and graphic symbol indicating a message(s) has beenautomatically stored on the selected PCNs 102, Programming Devices 104,the PAP's personal member account page on the Broker Service 106 and/orany other object of connectivity supported by the System 100 forretrieval and further processing.

Additionally, upon receiving any PAP Guest Communication Content call ona PAP's PCN 102, Programming Device 104, and/or any other object ofconnectivity supported by the System 100, a PAP may at any time speak orphysically enter a command into PAP's selected PCN(s) 102, ProgrammingDevice(s) 104, and/or any other object of connectivity supported by theSystem 100 to immediately force the received call into stored memory onPAP's selected PCN(s) 102, Programming Device(s) 104, a PAP's personalmember account page on the Broker Service 106 and/or any other object ofconnectivity supported by the System 100. In various embodiments, theSystem 100 may activate specified received Communication Content messagecall(s) stored by announcing and/or displaying alerts such as, but notlimited to, audio, visual, text and graphic symbols indicating amessage(s) that may have been automatically stored on the PAP's selectedPCN(s) 102, Programming Device(s) 104, a PAP's personal member accountpage accessible to the Broker Service 106 and/or any other object ofconnectivity supported by the System 100 for retrieval and furtherprocessing.

On a PAP's initial setup of the PAP's IP Communication System personalsubscriber account page, a PAP may be assigned by the Broker Service106, including but not limited to, one or more traditional telephonenumbers, IP addresses and any other type, category or technologyrequired addresses (“PAP Addresses”) to allow a PAP to distribute to thePAP's Guests groups and/or classifications one or more of, family,friend, social or new casual acquaintance, (named)Third Party Vendor,(named) medical clinic, PAP's (named) personal doctor, family (named)auto insurance company and Federal, State or local authorities forweather, catastrophe, emergency alert or other general alert orimportant information. In various embodiments, this allows the PAP'sGuests to program and/or utilize Broker Service 106 and PAP assigned PAPAddresses to make any type Communication Content calls to a PAPspecifically ranging from PAP individually assigned high to lowcommunication priority utilizing specific and appropriate PAP Addressesto PAP's Broker Service 106 account for subsequent re-transmissionauthorized by Broker Service 106 and PAP to PAP's selected PCN(s) 102general or specific Identification 255 location(s), ProgrammingDevice(s) 104, and/or any other object of connectivity supported by theSystem 100.

Upon a PAP hearing and/or seeing an incoming communication announcementfrom a registered PAP Guest on the PAP's selected PCN(s) 102 general orspecific Identification 255 location(s), Programming Device(s) 104,and/or any other object of connectivity supported by the System 100, PAPcan use, including but not limited to, the following answering options:answer the PAP Guests communication by verbally stating a PAP Command,PAP automatically or manually selecting Guest Voice Validation orphysically touching or entering a PAP Guest Code into the PAP's selectedPAP's PCN(s) 102, Programming Device(s) 104, and/or any other object ofconnectivity supported by the System 100, a PAP Command, to perform,including but not limited to, answering, not answering or forwarding thePAP Guests' Communication Content to memory on a selected PAP's PCN(s)102, Programming Device(s) 104, the PAP's personal member account pageon the Broker Service 106 and/or any other object of connectivitysupported by the System 100 for PAP's future retrieval and furtherprocessing, have the PAP's Guest's Communication Content follow the PAPon the PCN(s) 102 where the PAP travels in the property or elsewherewhere the PAP's or PCN(s) 102 belonging to other PAP's control arelocated, shutting off automatically or manually the PAP 102's that aregeographically behind and/or no longer needed, have additional, specificor all PAP 102's activate, PAP Command that the PAP 102's being utilizedactivate and/or deactivate any associated Sensor 253 such as, but notlimited to, microphone, motion detector, camera, or other annunciatorsor sensors as may be deployed at a location.

The present system provides a highly programmable access mechanism thatcan be specially programmed for specific users and specificcommunication control needs. In one example, a PAP has the option toprogram the System 100 to assign to a specific person in a specificfamily group the certain required and optional registration informationof the PAP Guest. This feature allows a PAP the ability to “delegate”communication and content control to a proxy, such as a trusted friend,relative, or spouse. Other communication proxies can be programmed intothe system to tailor the access for any given situation and the examplesgiven herein are for demonstrating the system and are not intended to beexclusive, exhaustive or limiting of the present system 100.

A PAP may geographically transit to other areas served by PCNs 102. Thesystem 100 allows a PAP using a PCN 102, programming device 104, BrokerService 106, cellular phone and/or any other object of connectivitysupported by the System 100 or other device adapted to communicate withthe Broker Service 106 to log onto the PAP's respective private customeraccount and enter different PCN identification number(s) ofidentification 255 to perform communications with the Broker Service 106from a variety of different geographic locations. The selection of PCNs102 can be programmed to be, but not limited to, on and/or off at aparticular date and time, programmed to be left in an on or off statusgenerally, or programmed to automatically turn off or on upon a specificdate and time. Any number of exceptions can be made so that specifiedPCNs 102 under the control of a PAP can be selected/programmed to be“on” for emergency messaging or emergency bi-directional communicationsas specifically selected by the PAP having primary control over aninventory of PCN 102 Identification numbers Identification 255. Whencommunication to a selected PCN 102 is desired, the Broker Service 106can be programmed to allow and direct that in and/or out communicationfrom and to a specific PCN 102 based upon the PAP's communicationspecifications and directions as specified by the PAP on its PAP privatecustomer account on Broker Service 106. In certain circumstances and asauthorized by the PAP, certain limited up to full PAP customer rightscan be assigned to other person's or parties to aid primary PAP inexecuting primary PAP's desires. One example of this may be a primaryPAP who is for various reasons not available to receive or makecommunications and/or purchasing or other decisions, and the primary PAPdesires and authorizes a secondary, or more, person or party to assumesome up to full control of the primary PAP's control, operation andadministration of the primary PAP's customer account on Broker Service106. The primary PAP may, but not be limited to, assign certain date andtime ranges to the newly created and authorized secondary person(s)and/or party(s) that allow the newly created and authorized person(s) orparty(s) to automatically have cancelled their rights assigned by theprimary PAP, or any combination of authorization programming to anotherperson(s) or party(s).

When a PAP desires to geographically transit to other areas served byPCN(s) 102 that are not under the control of the PAP, the PAP using aPCN 102, Programming Device 104 and/or any other object of connectivitysupported by system 100 or other device logs on to the PAP's respectiveprivate customer account at Broker Service 106 and makes request to addadditional PCN 102 Identification number(s) Identification 255 belongingto and under the control of a different PAP. Examples would be, notlimited to, the travel industry. If a primary PAP purchased an airlineticket to travel, either through the primary PAP's PCN 102, ProgrammingDevice 104 and/or any other object of connectivity supported by system100 directly connecting to the broker service 106's registered and PAP'srequested and accepted Third Party Vendor airline, through a travelbureau, directly from the airline or purchased through some other sourceprovider of the purchased ticket, the primary PAP traveling couldregister their future non-controlled or owned PCN 102 connectivitysession by requesting through their personal account on the BrokerService 106 that all or some of their inbound messages be repeatedand/or re-routed by the Broker Service 106 from the PAP's controlledPCN(s) 102 identification number(s) Identification 255, through theBroker Service 106 to the airlines communication link to the PAP'sspecific aircraft seat's installed PCN 102 or to the primary PAP'sProgramming Device 104 and/or any other object of connectivity supportedby system 100. Because the Third Party Vendor airline knows of theprimary PAP's flight reservation schedule and seat assignment inreal-time, the Third Party Vendor airline can allow Broker Service 106to follow primary PAP's seat assignment throughout their travel whileon-board their aircraft.

Additionally, to accommodate any changes in seats, the primary PAP wouldwhile at their actual seat sign into the Third Party Vendor's PCN 102 tolog on to Broker Service 106 of System 100 for bi-directional service,thus preventing miss-directed calls and PCN 102 usage by anon-authorized PAP or other non-authorized person. Additionally, when aPAP temporarily or permanently leaves their actual seat they may log offtemporarily or permanently preventing usage by non-authorized PAPs orother persons. When the primary PAP's flight(s) is concluded, theprimary PAP requested message repeating and/or forwarding orderrequested at Broker Service 106 is terminated by either the subjectairline owning and controlling the assigned PCN's 102 identification 255and/or the primary PAP. Alternatively, but not limiting, the BrokerService 106 can forward the primary PAP's requested inbound messagesfrom the Broker Service 106 directly to the PAP's Programming Device104.

Additionally, similar to the primary PAP's airline ticket purchaseoptions, but not limited by, available to PAP to purchase an airlineticket specified herein, the PAP makes a reservation with a hotel orlodging facility (“Hotel”) that is a Third Party Vendor of BrokerService 106 or an individual subscriber of Broker Service 106 of System100 with their own PCN 102, Programming Devices 104 and/or any otherobject of connectivity supported by system 100, and has installed PCN102's in certain or all rooms and selected or all other areas of theHotel's property. Upon check-in at the Hotel providing PCN 102 serviceand use by guests and others, the Hotel approves and activates the guestPAP's forwarding request placed earlier on the Broker Service 106 by aguest PAP to the Hotel's owned and controlled PCN's 102 identificationnumber(s) of identification 255 located in the Hotel's guest roomassigned to guest PAP. Additionally, the Hotel can approve additionalother Hotel-owned PCN 102 identification numbers 255 where the guest PAPmay travel within the Hotel-owned area, thus allowing notificationfollowing and requested and allowed information to a guest PAP with theuse of Hotel assigned code or pin allowing guest PAP access Hotel's PCN102(s). When a guest PAP checks-out of subject Hotel, the guest PAP'sprior requested message repeating and/or forwarding order to subject theHotel's owned and controlled PCN 102(s) is either cancelled by subjectHotel and /or guest PAP at any time by either guest PAP or Hotelterminating message following request on guest PAP and/or Hotel'sindividual personal and private account at the Broker Service 106.

Alternatively, among other things, the Broker Service 106 can thenrepeat and/or forward the primary PAP's requested inbound messages fromthe Broker Service 106 directly to the PAP's programming device 104and/or any other object of connectivity supported by System 100 with nobreak in notification service or connectivity from the Broker Service106 to a primary PAP. Thus, it can readily be seen and understood thatwherever a PAP travels, a PAP can request through their personal andprivate account on the Broker Service 106 both repeat and forwardingconnectivity to any other non-owned PCN(s) 102, Programming Device(s)104 and/or any object of connectivity supported by the system 100 andits identification number(s) 255 allowing Third Party Vendor(s) andtheir partner(s) notification to PAP of requested goods and/or servicesofferings matching PAP's pricing, terms and conditions, if necessary andat PAP specified time, frequency, duration and other PAP notificationand recording settings to any and all non-owned or managed PCN 102's,Programming Devices 104 and/or any object of connectivity supported bythe system 100.

The PAP may use owned or managed PCN(s) 102, Programming Device(s) 104and/or any other objects of connectivity supported by System 100 toconnect to Broker Service 106 to manage a PAP's personal and privateaccount to, but not limited by, query, view, add, change, delete and/orrequest addition of authorized Third Party Vendor's goods and servicesof Broker Service 106 and edit and/or manage all PAP personal andprivate account information such as, but not limited to, private codes,financial information, announcement and notification settings, contactinformation, billing and payment account numbers, codes andauthorizations, additional authorized person's or entities access tomanage various authority levels of primary PAP account and specificduties and authorization codes, etc.

Similarly, it is understood that in some embodiments, a requesting PAPmay use owned and managed PCN(s) 102, Programming Device(s) 104 and/orany other object(s) of connectivity supported by System 100 to requestthrough Broker Service 106 use of and receive, but not limited to,approval, specific pin-codes, dates and times of use, etc. to non-ownedand/or non- managed specific PCN 102, Programming Device 104 and/or anyother object of connectivity supported by system 100 to connect toBroker Service 106 to manage requesting PAP's personal and privateaccount to, but not limited to, query, view, add, change, delete and/orrequest addition of authorized Third Party Vendor's goods and servicesof Broker Service 106 and edit and/or manage all PAP account informationsuch as, but not limited to, private codes, financial information,announcement and notification settings, contact information, billing andpayment account numbers, codes and authorizations, additional authorizedperson's or entities access to manage various authority levels of aprimary PAP account and specific duties and authorization codes, etc.

Medical Wellness

The present system brings opportunities for wellness checks and “virtualvisits” to the sick or aged. These functions can be supported by thepresent system and in combination with other medical services inconjunction with the broker service to provide the wellness checking,virtual visits, medication reminders, medication refill subscriptions orany other host of medication related services. For example, thesubscriber could allow a health care provider access to certaininformation via the broker service to perform wellness checks or toreview medication history, activity data, among a host of other things.

Day to day health is supported by this interactive, bidirectionalsystem. And the services can be supported by the subscriber'sactivities, by the medical care provider, by a scheduled approach,and/or by all of them.

The PCN 102 can also be used in case of a trip and fall incident. Forexample, if a person is near a PCN 102 and shouts out “Help” or “I needhelp,” the PCN 102 can be programmed to contact a variety of services,including, the broker server 106, 911 emergency services, loved ones orothers trusted to lend assistance. The communications can take form inany programmed operation and a live communication to such destinationscan also take place, as programmed by the system.

The possible uses are unlimited and the examples given herein areintended to demonstrate some of the rich programmability and advantagesof the present system.

Security

The present PCN system allows for a new type of security forsubscribers. It is a security system that ‘follows’ the subscriber fromlocation to location on a property fitted with PCNs, and from propertyto property for multiple locations fitted with PCNs. That affords thesubscriber a security system with a monitoring service that travels asthe do and as they program it to operate. The system also provides theability for a number of PCNs to conduct independent directcommunications with the broker service to provide redundant lines ofcommunication for safety and assistance. The possible uses are unlimitedand the examples given herein are intended to demonstrate some of therich programmability and advantages of the present system.

Emergency Communication Network

The system can be connected to the FEMA IPAWS network established andmandated by Congress. Emergency information can be spread using PCNs inaddition to or in lieu of traditional distribution mechanisms (e.g.,siren). Such emergency communications can survive a natural disaster fora certain time due to embodiments featuring battery backup and aplurality of direct communications options as set forth herein. Thepossible uses are unlimited and the examples given herein are intendedto demonstrate some of the rich programmability and advantages of thepresent system.

This application is intended to cover adaptations or variations of thepresent subject matter. It is to be understood that the abovedescription is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Thescope of the present subject matter should be determined with referenceto the appended claims, along with the full scope of legal equivalentsto which such claims are entitled.

1. A method of communicating with a plurality of property communicationdevices configured for placement at various premises for providingcommunications to a plurality of subscribers, the method comprising:receiving instructions associated with at least one of the plurality ofsubscribers, the instructions defining parameters associated withreceipt of communications over one or more of the plurality of propertycommunication devices; programming a server-based system to control thecommunications with the at least one subscriber based on theinstructions; receiving, from a plurality of third parties, thecommunications configured to be communicated over a wireless network;without intervention from one of the subscribers, receiving informationfrom one or more of the plurality of property communication devices thatindicates a location with respect to at least one relevant propertycommunication device where the at least one subscriber may receive oneof the communications to focus delivery of the one of the communicationsto the at least one relevant property communication device and to the atleast one subscriber; and providing the one of the communications to theat least one subscriber from the server-based system to the at least onerelevant property communication device, such that the one of thecommunications provided meets the parameters programmed for the at leastone subscriber.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of theplurality of third parties comprises a third party vendor, wherein thecommunications provided comprise advertising content from the thirdparty vendor, the method further comprising: notifying the at least onesubscriber of the advertising content using an annunciator configuredinto the plurality of property communication devices.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, wherein receiving instructions associated with at least onesubscriber comprises registering the plurality of third parties, themethod further comprising: storing a voice recording of at least one ofthe registered third party, wherein the communications from the at leastone registered third party is provided to the plurality of subscribersbased on the voice recording.
 4. The method of claim 1, whereinreceiving instructions associated with at least one subscriber comprisesregistering the plurality of third parties, the method furthercomprising: assigning a code associated with at least one of theregistered third party, wherein the communications from the at least oneregistered third party is provided to the plurality of subscribers basedon the assigned code.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein receivinginstructions associated with at least one subscriber comprisesregistering the plurality of third parties, wherein the definedparameters comprise a classification of the at least one registeredthird party, the method further comprising: assigning at least onepriority level to the communication to the one or more of the propertycommunication devices based on the classification of the third party. 6.The method of claim 5, wherein the at least one registered third partyis a third party vendor, the method comprising: assigning a highpriority level to the third party vendor.
 7. The method of claim 5,wherein the at least one registered third party is a health clinic, themethod comprising: assigning a high priority level to the health clinic.8. The method of claim 5, wherein assigning at least one priority levelto the communication to the one or more of the property communicationdevices based on the classification of the third party comprisesassigning a first communication network to a first priority level and asecond communication network to a second priority level.
 9. The methodof claim 8, wherein assigning a first communication network to a firstpriority level and a second communication network to a second prioritylevel comprises assigning a first cellular network to the first prioritylevel and assigning a second cellular network to the second prioritylevel.
 10. The method of claim 5, wherein the at least one registeredthird party is a family member.
 11. The method of claim 5, wherein theat least one registered third party is a friend.
 12. The method of claim1, wherein the defined parameters comprise a communication limit valueassociated with one of the third parties, the method further comprising:forwarding the communication from the third party to a memory devicewhen a number of communications associated with the third party exceedsthe communication limit value, wherein the memory device is configuredto store one or more communications.
 13. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: storing, in a delegate database, information about one ormore users authorized to receive communications directed to one of theplurality of subscribers; and providing the communications to the one ormore users authorized to receive communications that were originallydirected to one of the plurality of subscribers from the server-basedsystem to one or more of the plurality of property communicationdevices.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the one or more usersauthorized to receive communications is a relative of the one of theplurality of subscribers.
 15. The method of claim 1, further comprising:assigning each of the plurality of third parties to one or more of aplurality of groups; assigning at least one priority level to each ofthe plurality of groups; and assigning at least one priority level tothe communication to the one or more of the property communicationdevices based on the assigned priority level of the group.
 16. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: storing a schedule that controlsthe communications of at least one of the plurality of third parties.17. The method of claim 16, wherein the stored schedule comprises one ormore days of a week.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the storedschedule comprises one or more hours of a day.
 19. The method of claim16, wherein the stored schedule comprises a number of communicationspermitted from one of the plurality of third parties.
 20. The method ofclaim 16, wherein the stored schedule comprises a time interval betweencommunications from one of the plurality of third parties.
 21. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: receiving, via the at least onesubscriber, a command to stop providing the communication; and storingthe communication in a memory device.
 22. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: storing, based on at least one defined parameter, a messagerelated to the communication; and providing an indication to the atleast one subscriber that a message has been stored.
 23. The method ofclaim 1, wherein providing the one of the communications to the at leastone subscriber from the server-based system to the at least one relevantproperty communication device, such that the one of the communicationsprovided meets the parameters programmed for the at least one subscribercomprises: providing the one of the communications to the at least onesubscriber by an audio format.
 24. The method of claim 1, whereinproviding the one of the communications to the at least one subscriberfrom the server-based system to the at least one relevant propertycommunication device, such that the one of the communications providedmeets the parameters programmed for the at least one subscribercomprises: providing the one of the communications to the at least onesubscriber by a video format.
 25. The method of claim 1, whereinproviding the one of the communications to the at least one subscriberfrom the server-based system to the at least one relevant propertycommunication device, such that the one of the communications providedmeets the parameters programmed for the at least one subscribercomprises: providing the one of the communications to the at least onesubscriber by a text message.
 26. The method of claim 1, whereinproviding the one of the communications to the at least one subscriberfrom the server-based system to the at least one relevant propertycommunication device, such that the one of the communications providedmeets the parameters programmed for the at least one subscribercomprises: providing the one of the communications to the at least onesubscriber by an email message.